Raewyn Connell

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Dianne-Reggett

Raewyn Connell (born 3 January 1944) is an Australian sociologist known for her work in the field of gender studies, particularly her theory of hegemonic masculinity. Connell's contributions have significantly influenced the understanding of gender relations and masculinity in contemporary sociology.

Early Life and Education

Connell was born in Sydney, Australia. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Melbourne and later earned her PhD from the University of Sydney. Her early academic work focused on the sociology of education and class dynamics.

Academic Career

Connell has held various academic positions throughout her career. She has taught at institutions such as the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her research has spanned multiple areas, including gender studies, education, and social theory.

Major Contributions

Hegemonic Masculinity

One of Connell's most influential concepts is hegemonic masculinity, which she introduced in her book Gender and Power (1987). This theory explores the social construction of masculinity and the ways in which certain forms of masculinity dominate over others. It has become a foundational concept in gender studies and has been widely used in research on masculinity and gender relations.

Gender and Education

Connell has also made significant contributions to the sociology of education, particularly in understanding how gender dynamics play out in educational settings. Her work has highlighted the ways in which educational institutions can perpetuate gender inequalities.

Social Theory

In addition to her work on gender, Connell has contributed to broader social theory. Her book Southern Theory (2007) critiques the dominance of Northern hemisphere social theories and advocates for the inclusion of perspectives from the Global South.

Personal Life

Connell is a transgender woman and has been an advocate for transgender rights. Her personal experiences have informed her academic work and activism.

Selected Works

• Gender and Power (1987)
• Masculinities (1995)
• Southern Theory (2007)
• Gender: In World Perspective (2009)

Awards and Honors

Connell has received numerous awards for her contributions to sociology and gender studies, including the American Sociological Association's Jessie Bernard Award.

See Also

• Gender studies
• Masculinity
• Hegemonic masculinity
• Sociology of education
• Transgender rights